The Unforgettable Nat King Cole (Medley): SSA Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's medley captures the warmth and sophistication of Nat King Cole's catalog in a format that lets SSA choirs inhabit these timeless songs without requiring divisi complexity. The arrangement honors the original material while giving singers genuine melodic and harmonic interest across all three parts.

Elegant and intimate. These melodies carry the sophistication of mid-century vocal jazz and pop, with enough harmonic substance to remind you why these standards endure. The medley format moves you through moments of tenderness, warmth, and subtle swing.

SSA and SSAA choirs seeking accessible, audience-friendly literature that doesn't compromise musicality. Singers and directors wanting to explore the Cole songbook with arrangement integrity and period style.

• Maintain Cole's characteristic legato phrasing; resist the urge to separate notes or add unnecessary articulation.
• Balance the soloists or featured singers with the ensemble sections so that the medley feels cohesive rather than disconnected vocal vignettes.
• Let the recorded accompaniment guide your tempo choices in early rehearsals, then gradually internalize the rubato so singers own the phrasing.
• Attend to vowel consistency across the three parts, especially in sustained chords where any drift becomes audible.

Place this as a centerpiece in a pop or standards concert, or use it as a palate cleanser between more contemporary and classical selections. Works particularly well in spring or gala programs where you want to celebrate accessible, beloved repertoire.

• Legato line singing and breath management across extended phrases
• Balancing solo and ensemble textures within the same piece
• Stylistic interpretation of mid-century pop and vocal jazz idioms
• SSA voice leading and harmonic awareness in three-part writing